JVC GR-SXM76ED, GR-FX36ED, GR-FXM66ED, GR-SX56ED, GR-SXM85ED User Manual

COMPACT

VHS CAMCORDER

GR-SXM86ED GR-SXM85ED GR-SXM76ED GR-SX56ED GR-FXM66ED GR-FX36ED

VHS

PAL

625

S-VHS is compatible with

GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/

SXM76ED/SX56ED only.

INSTRUCTIONS

	ENGLISH
CONTENTS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS	2 – 3
AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION 4
PROVIDED ACCESSORIES	4
GETTING STARTED	6 – 13
RECORDING	14 – 29
Basic Recording ..........................	14
Basic Features ...........................	16
Zooming, Picture Stabilizer, Quick Review,
Video Light, Retake
Advanced Features ......................	18

Snapshot, Night-Scope, Fade/Wipe Effects,

Program AE with Special Effects,

Digital Effects, Using Menu For Detailed

Adjustment, Date/Time Insert, Instant Titles,

Animation, Time-Lapse, Exposure Control,

Focusing, White Balance Adjustment,

Manual White Balance Operation

PLAYBACK	30 – 34
Basic Playback ...........................	30
Features ..................................	31
Connections ...............................	32
Using The Cassette Adapter ...........	34
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL
UNIT	35 – 43
Playback Zoom ..........................	37
Insert Editing .............................	38
Audio Dubbing ...........................	39
Random Assemble Editing ..............	40
DETAILS	44 – 45
TROUBLESHOOTING	46 – 47
INDEX	48 – 51
Controls, Connectors
And Indicators .........................	48
Indications ................................	50
CAUTIONS	52 – 54
SPECIFICATIONS	55

LYT0686-001A EN

2 EN

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of this product.

Using This Instruction Manual

•All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents on the cover. •Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to read these as well.

•Basic and advanced features/operation are separated for easier reference.

It is recommended that you . . .

.... refer to the Index ( pgs. 48 – 51) and familiarise yourself with button locations, etc. before use.

.... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions. They contain extremely important information regarding the safe use of this product.

You are recommended to carefully read the cautions on pages 52 – 54 before use.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTIONS:

If you notice smoke or a peculiar smell coming from the camcorder or AC Adapter, shut it down and unplug it immediately. Continue using the camcorder or AC Adapter under these conditions could lead to fire or electric shock. Contact your JVC dealer. Do not attempt to repair the malfunction yourself.

To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

When you are not using the AC Adapter for a long period of time, it is recommended that you disconnect the power cord from AC outlet.

NOTES:

●The rating plate (serial number plate) and safety caution are on the bottom and/or the back of the main unit.

●The rating information and safety caution of the AC Adapter are on its bottom.

CAUTION:

To avoid electric shock or damage to the unit, first firmly insert the small end of the power cord into the AC Adapter until it is no longer wobbly, and then plug the larger end of the power cord into an AC outlet.

625

Cassettes marked “ ” and “ ” can be used with this camcorder. However, S-VHS recordings are possible* only with cassettes marked “ ”. *GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/SXM76ED/SX56ED only.

CAUTIONS:

This camcorder is designed to be used with PAL-type colour television signals. It cannot be used for playback with a television of a different standard. However, live recording and LCD monitor*/viewfinder playback are possible anywhere.

Use the JVC BN-V11U/V12U/V20U/V400U battery packs and, to recharge them or to supply power to the camcorder from an AC outlet, use the provided multi-voltage AC Adapter and Power Cord. (An appropriate conversion adapter may be necessary to accommodate different designs of AC outlets in different countries.)

*Models equipped with LCD monitor only.

EN3

When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or on a shelf, make sure that it has sufficient space on all sides to allow for ventilation (10 cm or more on both sides, on top and at the rear).

Do not block the ventilation holes.

(If the ventilation holes are blocked by a newspaper, or cloth etc. heat may not be able to get out.)

No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

When discarding batteries, environmental problems must be considered and local rules or laws governing the disposal of these batteries must be followed strictly.

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing.

Do not use this equipment in a bathroom or places with water.

Also do not place any containers filled with water or liquids (such as cosmetics or medicines, flower vases, potted plants, cups etc.) on top of this unit.

(If water or liquid is allowed to enter this equipment, fire or electric shock may be caused.)

4 EN

AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION

Automatic Demonstration takes place when ”DEMO MODE” is set to ”ON” (factory-preset).

Available when the Power Switch is set to ”” or ””.

Operating the Power Zoom Lever during the demonstration stops the demonstration temporarily. If the Power Zoom Lever is not moved for more than 1 minute after that, the demonstration will resume.

“DEMO MODE” remains ”ON” even if the camcorder power is turned off.

To cancel Automatic Demonstration, set the Power Switch to “” and press MENU while the demo is in progress. This takes you directly to the demo mode’s Setting Menu (so you will not have to go through the main Menu Screen). Rotate MENU to select “OFF” and press it.

DEMO MODE

OF F

ON

EX I T

Setting Menu

NOTE:

When a tape whose Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording is loaded in the camcorder, demonstration is not available.

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

•AC Adapter

AP-V10ED

• Power Cord

• Remote Control Unit

RM-V716U

•Battery Pack

BN-V11U

•Cassette Adapter C-P7U

•Shoulder Strap

•Lens Cap

•AAA (R03) Battery x 2

(for Remote Control Unit)

•AA (R6) Battery

(for Cassette Adapter)

•Core Filter x 3

(for provided A/V Cable and AC Adapter, GR-FXM66ED/FX36ED only)

•Core Filter x 4

(for provided A/V Cable, S-Video Cable and AC Adapter, GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/ SXM76ED/SX56ED only)

•Editing Cable

(ø3.5 mini-plug cable)

•A/V (Audio/Video) Cable

•S-Video Cable (GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/ SXM76ED/SX56ED only)

EN5

How To Attach The Core Filter

Attach the provided Core Filter to the provided A/V Cable, S-Video Cable and AC Adapter. The Core Filter reduces interference.

1	2		1 Release the stoppers on both ends of the Core
		5 cm	Filter.
			2 Run the cable through the Core Filter, leaving
			approx. 5 cm of cable between the cable plug
			and the Core Filter. Wind the cable around the
			outside of the Core Filter as shown in the
Stopper			illustration.
			•Wind the cable so that it is not slack.
			NOTE:
			Take care not to damage the cable.
			3 Close the Core Filter until it clicks shut.
			Connect the end of the cable with the Core
			Filter to the camcorder.

3

With the provided AC Adapter, attach Core Filters to both ends of the cable as shown below.

5 cm		5 cm

How To Attach The Lens Cap

To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the illustration.

1

2

3

6 EN

Hook on.

1

2 Push in.

BATTERY RELEASE Switch

REFRESH Button

REFRESH Lamp

CHARGE Lamp

Battery pack

Power Switch
To AC outlet	3 To DC IN
	connector
5
4	AC Adapter
Battery pack	Charging time
BN-V11U	approx. 1 hr. 30 min.
BN-V12U (optional)	approx. 1 hr. 30 min.
BN-V20U (optional)	approx. 2 hrs. 20 min.
BN-V400U (optional)	approx. 4 hrs. 30 min.

GETTING STARTED

Power

This camcorder’s 2-way power supply system lets you choose the most appropriate source of power. Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

1 Make sure the battery pack is attached to the camcorder. Hook its end to the camcorder 1 and push the battery in until it locks in place 2.

•If the battery pack is attached in the wrong position, a malfunction may occur.

2 Set the Power Switch to “OFF”. Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder 3, then connect the Power Cord to the AC Adapter 4.

3 Plug the Power Cord into an AC outlet 5.

The CHARGE lamp on the camcorder blinks to indicate charging has started.

4 When the CHARGE lamp stops blinking but stays lit, charging is finished. Unplug the Power Cord from the AC outlet. Disconnect the AC Adapter from the camcorder.

To Detach The Battery Pack . . .

.... slide BATTERY RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.

NOTES:

●During charging or discharging, the camcorder cannot be operated.

●Charging and discharging is not possible if the wrong type of battery is used.

●When charging the battery pack for the first time or after a long storage period, the CHARGE lamp may not light. In this case, remove the battery pack from the camcorder, then try charging again.

●If the battery operation time remains extremely short even after having been fully charged, the battery is worn out and needs to be replaced. Please purchase a new one.

●Using the optional AA-V15 AC Power Adapter/Charger, you can charge the BN-V11U/V12U/V20U/V400U battery pack without the camcorder. However, it cannot be used as an AC adapter.

REFRESH:

Charging a battery with some charge remaining reduces that battery’s capacity. Perform the procedure below to fully discharge the battery pack before recharging.

1.Perform steps 1 through 3 of “CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK”.

2.Press REFRESH on the camcorder for over 2 seconds. The REFRESH lamp on the camcorder blinks to indicate discharging has started.

3.When discharging is finished, charging automatically starts and the CHARGE lamp blinks.

When you are not using a battery pack for a long period of time, be sure to fully discharge it before storing because leaving a battery with some charge left over also reduces performance.

For other notes, pg. 44

ATTENTION:

Before detaching the power source, make sure that the camcorder’s power is turned off. Failure to do so can result in a camcorder malfunction.

Charge marker

A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to help you remember whether it has been charged or not. Two colours are provided (red and black)—you choose which one means charged and which means discharged.

EN7

USING THE BATTERY PACK

Perform step 1 of “CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK” ( pg. 6).

Approximate recording time (unit: min.)

Battery pack

Viewfinder on

LCD monitor on

	1	2	1
BN-V11U	95	100	80
	(50)	(50)	(45)
BN-V12U	95	100	80
(optional)	(50)	(50)	(45)
BN-V20U	150	165	135
(optional)	(85)	(90)	(75)
BN-V400U	360	385	315
(optional)	(205)	(210)	(190)

1 When using models equipped with LCD monitor

2 When using GR-SX56ED/FX36ED

( ) : when the video light is on (GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/SXM76ED/SX56ED only)

NOTES:

●Recording time is reduced significantly under the following conditions:

•Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged repeatedly.

•The LCD monitor is used repeatedly (models equipped with LCD monitor only).

●Before extended use, it is recommended that you prepare enough battery packs to cover 3 times the planned shooting time.

USING AC POWER

Use the AC Adapter (connect as shown in the illustration).

NOTES:

●The provided AC Adapter features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V.

●For other notes, pg. 44.

To AC outlet

To DC IN connector

AC Adapter

8 EN

		Power Zoom
		Lever
		Recording
		Start/Stop
		Button
3
2
180°
	1
		M
		A
		FF
		O
		Y
		A
		L
		P
	Set to “		” or
	“	”.
PAUSE
2	1
3

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

Grip Adjustment

1 Separate the Velcro strip.

2 Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the grip.

3 Adjust so that your thumb and fingers can easily operate the Recording Start/Stop Button and Power Zoom Lever. Refasten the Velcro strip.

Viewfinder Adjustment

1 Set the Power Switch to “” or “”.

2 Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability.

3 Turn the Dioptre Adjustment Control until the indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.

Shoulder Strap Attachment

1 Following the illustration, thread the strap through the eyelet 1, then fold it back and thread it through the buckle 2. Repeat the procedure to attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet 3, making sure the strap is not twisted.

2 Adjust as shown in the illustration 4.

Tripod Mounting

1 Align the screw and camera direction stud on the tripod with the camera’s mounting socket and stud hole. Then tighten the screw.

CAUTION:

When using a tripod, be sure to open and extend its legs fully to Stabilize the camcorder. To prevent damage to the unit caused by falling over, do not use a small-sized tripod.

MENU Wheel

Power Switch

Display

CAMERA MENU

Menu Screen

TO SYSTEM MENU

FOCUS

AUTO

EXPOSURE

AUTO

M. W. B.

AUTO

SYSTEM MENU

NEXT

REC MODE

SP

D.

ZOOM

5 0 x

SYSTEM MENU

TO CAMERA MENU

REC

T I ME

OF F

I NT .

T I ME

OF F

TELE MACRO

OF F

T I T LE

LANG.

ENGL I SH

DATE / T I ME

0 6

J L I P

I D NO.

DEMO MODE

OF F

RETURN

DATE / T I ME

DATE/TIME Menu

YEAR

2

0 0 1

MONTH

6

DAY

2 8

T I ME

2 0

: 2 0

24-hour

indication

EX I T

EN9

Date/Time Settings

1 Set the Power Switch to “”. The power lamp comes on.

2 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.

3 Rotate MENU to select “TO SYSTEM MENU” and press it to display SYSTEM MENU. Rotate MENU to select “NEXT” and press it to display the next page.

4 Rotate MENU to select “DATE/TIME” and press it. The DATE/TIME Menu appears.

5 To set “YEAR”, “MONTH”, “DAY” or “TIME” (hour/ minute), rotate MENU to select the desired item, and press it. When the setting begins blinking, rotate MENU until the correct setting appears and then press it. The setting stops blinking.

6 When none of these settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH”, “DAY”, “TIME”) blinks, rotate MENU to select “EXIT”, and press it. The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on “RETURN”.

7 Press MENU to close the Menu Screen.

NOTE:

To display the date and time in the camcorder’s display and on a connected TV, see “Date/Time Insert” ( pg. 25).

For other notes, pg. 44

10 EN

MENU Wheel

Power Switch

Display: when a VHS cassette is loaded.

SYSTEM MENU

NEXT			SP
REC MODE
D. ZOOM			5 0 x
W I DE		OF F
S – VHS ET			ON
TAPE LENGTH			T 3 0
D I SPLAY			FUL L
RETURN

S – VHS ET

ON

OF F

EX I T

SYSTEM MENU

NEXT
REC MODE	SP
D. ZOOM	5 0 x
W I DE	OF F
S – VHS ET	ON
TAPE LENGTH	T 3 0
D I SPLAY	FUL L

Menu Screen

When an S-VHS cassette is loaded: S-VHS

Setting Menu

RETURN

Normal Screen

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

Recording Format Setting

(GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/SXM76ED/SX56ED only)

Set the recording format according to the format of the tape used or type of recording you wish to perform.

NOTE:

S-VHS ET recording is not possible when the recording mode is set to “LP”.

Before performing the following steps, make sure that the recording mode is set to “SP” ( pg. 12).

1 Set the Power Switch to “”. The power lamp comes on.

2 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.

3 Rotate MENU to select “TO SYSTEM MENU” and press it to display SYSTEM MENU.

If a VHS cassette is loaded . . .

.... rotate MENU to select “S-VHS ET”, then press it. The S-VHS ET Setting Menu appears.

If an S-VHS cassette is loaded . . .

.... rotate MENU to “S-VHS”, then press it. The S-VHS Setting Menu appears.

4 Rotate MENU to set to either of the parameters, then press it. The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on “RETURN”.

In the S-VHS ET Setting Menu,

ON : Records with S-VHS picture quality on a VHS cassette (factory-preset). This is called Super VHS ET (Expansion Technology).

OFF : Records in VHS.

In the S-VHS Setting Menu,

ON : Records in S-VHS on an S-VHS cassette (factory-preset).

OFF : Records in VHS on an S-VHS cassette.

5 Press MENU to close the Menu Screen.

•When the S-VHS ET mode is engaged, “S-ET” is displayed.

•During S-VHS record mode, “S“ is displayed.

•When S-VHS ET or S-VHS recording starts, “S-VHS REC” is displayed for approx. 3 seconds.

NOTE:

If a cassette is not loaded, “S-VHS” will be displayed in the Menu Screen.

EN11

NOTES about S-VHS and S-VHS ET

JVC EHG (Extra High Grade) tapes are recommended for superior results.

Use S-VHS tape for storing recordings for an extended period or for recording important scenes, as it enables higher-quality recording and playback.

— It is recommended to specifically label S-VHS ET recordings so you can easily distinguish them from regular VHS recordings.

With some tapes, better picture quality may not be obtained even with S-VHS ET recording. It is recommended that you do test record beforehand to make sure whether better results can be obtained.

If the S-VHS ET mode or recording format is switched during recording, the playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.

It is recommended that tapes recorded on this camcorder be played back on this camcorder.

Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode can be played back not only on this camcorder but also on a Super VHS VCR.

— Tapes recorded in S-VHS ET mode cannot be played back on some VCRs, including some JVC VCRs.

Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode cannot be played back correctly on a normal VHS VCR.

S-VHS ET does not work with S-VHS tapes.

To avoid on-screen noise, do not perform Still Playback or Shuttle Search repeatedly.

If the picture contains a lot of jitter or noise, use a cleaning cassette.

Compatibility Between S-VHS And VHS

Recording		Playback
Blank tape	Camcorder Recorded tape Cassette adapter

S-VHS-C	S-VHS
cassette	recordings

S-VHS ET recordings

S-VHS VCR

•The recorded format (S-VHS or VHS) is automatically detected when playback begins.

		Regular VHS VCR
VHS-C	VHS	•S-VHS recorded tapes cannot be
cassette	recordings
		viewed on regular VHS VCRs.

12 EN

MENU Wheel

Power Switch

Display

	REC MODE		REC MODE Menu

SP

LP

EX I T

SP Recording mode indicator

Display

		TAPE LENGTH			TAPE LENGTH
T 3 0					Menu
T 4 5
T 5 0
T 6 0
EX I T
			T 3 0			Tape length
						indicator

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

Recording Mode Setting

Set the tape recording mode depending on your preference.

	Set the Power Switch to “	”. The power lamp
1 comes on.
2	Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
	Rotate MENU to select “	TO SYSTEM MENU” and

3 press it to display SYSTEM MENU.

4 Rotate MENU to select “REC MODE” and press it. The REC MODE Menu appears. Select “SP” or “LP” by rotating MENU and press it. The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on “RETURN”. Press MENU to close the Menu Screen.

•“LP” (Long Play) is more economical, providing twice the recording time.

NOTES:

●If the recording mode is switched during recording, the playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.

●S-VHS ET recording is not possible when the recording mode is set to “LP” ( pg. 10, 24).

Tape Length Setting

Set the tape length according to the length of the tape used.

1 Perform steps 1 through 3 above.

2 Rotate MENU to select “TAPE LENGTH”, then press it. The TAPE LENGTH Menu appears.

3 Rotate MENU to select the correct tape length setting.

•T30=30 minutes

•T45=45 minutes

•T50=50 minutes

•T60=60 minutes

4 Press MENU. The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on “RETURN”. Press MENU to close the Menu Screen.

NOTE:

The tape remaining time ( pg. 14) is correct only if the correct tape length has been selected.

EJECT Switch

Cassette holder

Close Button

EJECT Switch

Cassette holder

Close Button

Turn to take

up slack.

Erase Protection tab

Gear

EN13

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

1 Open the LCD monitor fully (models equipped with LCD monitor only).

2 Slide EJECT until the cassette holder opens. Do not use force to open.

3 Insert or remove a cassette. When inserting, make sure the label is facing outward.

4 Press the Close button to close the cassette holder until it locks into place.

5 Close the LCD monitor (models equipped with LCD monitor only).

NOTES:

●Closing the LCD monitor while the cassette holder is still open may cause damage to the LCD monitor

(models equipped with LCD monitor only).

●The cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power supply is attached.

●Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the cassette. If there is any slack, turn the gear on the cassette in the direction of the arrow to take up the slack.

●Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording. If not, slide the tab. Some cassettes have removable tabs. If the tab has been removed, cover the hole with adhesive tape.

●The cassette holder cannot be opened while the camcorder is in the record mode.

14 EN

	During shooting
Power Switch
Recording Start/Stop Button
2 5M I N	Tape remaining
	time indicator
	(Approximate)

MIN 60MIN 59MIN

(Now calculating)

0MIN 1MIN 2MIN 3MIN

(Blinking) (Blinking) (Blinking)

BRIGHT Wheel (models equipped with LCD monitor only)

90°

180°

BR I GHT – – – – – – – –6– – – +

To Adjust The Brightness Of The LCD Monitor

.... rotate BRIGHT until the bright level indicator on the display moves and the appropriate brightness is reached.

RECORDING Basic Recording

NOTE:

You should already have performed the procedures listed below. If not, do so before continuing.

●Power ( pg. 6)

●Load A Cassette ( pg. 13)

●Recording Mode Setting ( pg. 12)

●Tape Length Setting ( pg. 12)

●Grip Adjustment ( pg. 8)

●Viewfinder Adjustment ( pg. 8)

Shooting While Watching The Viewfinder

1 Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked (models equipped with LCD monitor only). Press in the tabs on the lens cap to remove it. Set the Power Switch to “” or “”. The power lamp lights and the camcorder enters the Record-Standby mode. “PAUSE” is displayed in the viewfinder.

2 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button. “” appears in the viewfinder while recording is in progress.

To Stop Recording . . .

.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button. The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

Shooting While Watching The

LCD Monitor (models equipped with LCD monitor only)

1 Make sure the LCD monitor is fully open. Press in the tabs on the lens cap to remove it. Set the Power Switch to “” or “”. The power lamp lights and the camcorder enters the Record-Standby mode. “PAUSE” is displayed in the LCD monitor.

2 Tilt the LCD monitor upward/downward for best viewability and press the Recording Start/Stop Button. “” appears in the LCD monitor while recording is in progress.

NOTE:

When you use the LCD monitor outdoors in direct sunlight, the LCD monitor may be difficult to see. If this happens, use the viewfinder instead.

To Stop Recording . . .

.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button. The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

Power Switch Position

: Suitable for standard recording using NO special effects or manual adjustments.

: Allows you to set recording functions using the menus for more creative capabilities. OFF : Switches off the camcorder.

: Allows you to play back your recordings.

EN15

NOTES:

●If the Record-Standby mode continues for 5 minutes without performing Zoom or any other operations, the camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. Set the Power Switch to “OFF”, and then back to “ ” or “” to turn the camcorder on again.

●If you are recording on a cassette from the middle (such as when a tape is removed and re-inserted during recording), use the Retake function ( pg. 17) to find the end of the last recording so you do not erase any of it.

●To remove the indications from the camcorder’s display during recording, pg. 22, 24.

Self-Recording

JOURNALISTIC SHOOTING (models equipped with LCD monitor only)

In some situations, different shooting angles may provide more dramatic results. Hold the camcorder in the desired position and tilt the LCD monitor in the most convenient direction. It can rotate 270° (90° downward, 180° upward).

SELF-RECORDING (models equipped with LCD monitor only)

You can shoot yourself while viewing your own image in the LCD monitor. Open the LCD monitor and tilt it upward 180° so that it faces forward, then point the lens toward yourself and start recording.

For other notes, pg. 45

16 EN

Zoom in (T: Telephoto)

Zoom out (W: Wide angle)

RETAKE (2/3) Button

LIGHT

OFF/AUTO/ON

Switch

Power Zoom Lever

P. STABILIZER

Button

Display

Zoom indicator bar

1 x

Zoom level indicator

Approximate

zoom ratio

Picture Stabiliser indicator

RECORDING Basic Features

Zooming: To produce the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous change in image magnification.

Digital circuitry extends the maximum magnification offered by optical zoom. This system is called Digital Zoom.

Zoom In

Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “T”.

Zoom Out

Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “W”.

●The further you slide the Power Zoom Lever, the quicker the zoom action.

●Focusing may become unstable during Zooming. In

this case, set the zoom while in Record–Standby, lock the focus by using the manual focus ( pg. 28), then zoom in or out in Record mode.

●The zoom level indicator (5) moves during zoom. Once the zoom level indicator reaches the top of the zoom indicator bar, all magnification from that point is through digital processing.

●When using Digital Zoom, the quality of image may

suffer. To deactivate Digital Zoom, set “D.ZOOM” to “OFF” in SYSTEM MENU ( pg. 23).

●Digital zoom cannot be used when the “VIDEO ECHO” mode ( pg. 21) is activated.

Picture Stabiliser: To compensate for unstable images caused by camera-shake, particularly at high magnification.

1)Press P. STABILIZER. “” appears.

2)To switch off the Picture Stabiliser, press P. STABILIZER. The indicator disappears.

●Accurate stabilisation may not be possible if hand shake is excessive, or under the following conditions:

•When shooting subjects with vertical or horizontal stripes.

•When shooting dark or dim subjects.

•When shooting subjects with excessive backlighting.

•When shooting scenes with movement in various directions.

•When shooting scenes with low-contrast backgrounds.

●Switch off the Picture Stabiliser when recording with the camcorder on a tripod.

●The “” indicator appears blinking if the Stabiliser cannot be used.

●This function cannot be activated during the “Night-Scope” ( pg. 18), “CLASSIC FILM”, “STROBE” and “VIDEO ECHO” mode ( pg. 21).

Quick Review: To check the end of the last recording.

1)Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–Standby mode.

2)Press 2and release quickly.

Tape is rewound for approx. 1 second and played back automatically, then pauses in Record– Standby mode for the next shot.

●Distortion may occur at the start of playback. This is normal.

Retake: To re-record certain segments.

1)Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–Standby mode.

2)Press and hold either RETAKE to reach the start point for new recording. Pressing 3forwards the tape and pressing 2reverses it.

3)Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to start recording.

●Noise bars appear and pictures may become monochrome or darken during Retake. This is normal.

EN17

Video Light

(GR-SXM86ED/SXM85ED/SXM76ED/ SX56ED only): To brighten the scene when natural lighting is too dim.

1) Set LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON as required:

OFF : Turns off the light.

AUTO : Automatically turns on the light when the camcorder senses insufficient lighting on the subject.

ON : Always keeps the light on as long as the camcorder is turned on.

●The video light can only be used with the camcorder’s power on.

●It is recommended to set the white balance

( pg. 29) to when you use the video light.

●When not using the video light, turn it off to save battery power.

●Even if the battery indicator () does not blink if the battery pack’s charge is low, the camcorder may turn off automatically when you turn on the video light, or when you start recording with the video light turned on.

●When LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON is set to “AUTO”:

•Depending on the lighting conditions, the video light may keep turning on and off. In this case, manually switch the light on or off using LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON.

•While the “Sports” or “High Speed Shutter” mode ( pg. 20) is engaged, the light is likely to stay on.

•While the “Twilight” mode ( pg. 20) is engaged, the light will not activate.

DANGER

The video light can become extremely hot. Do not touch it either while in operation or soon after turning it off, otherwise serious injury may result.

Do not place the camcorder into the carrying case immediately after using the video light, since it remains extremely hot for some time.

When operating, keep a distance of about 30 cm between the video light and people or objects.

Do not use near flammable or explosive materials.

It is recommended that you consult your nearest JVC dealer for replacing the video light.